“I think you may take my word for it, Major, that they would never reach their destination.  Even while we are speaking, a messenger may be sent off either to one of these bands in the mountains, or to two or three of the contractors—­who are, of course, as deeply involved as the governor, for there is no doubt of their guilt, while no proof can be given to his being a party to it—­telling them that it is a matter of life and death to them to prevent you or your messengers from reaching Madrid.”

“The lookout is certainly far from comfortable,” Desmond admitted, “and I must, tonight, think it over in every way, and decide upon what course I had best pursue.”

When he reached the hotel, he told Mike what Colonel Mendez had said.

“By the powers, your honour, it is a nasty scrape that we seem to be in, almost as bad as when you were shut up in that prison in London.”

“Worse, Mike; for then we knew that we should be tried, but hoped that Louis would interfere in our favour, and by threatening reprisals obtain our liberty; whereas here we have only ourselves to depend upon, and the blow may come at any moment.”

“Well, at any rate, your honour, we will see that none get at you unbeknown.  I will lie down in your room against the door, and if the sergeant places a man on guard outside, it is hard if anyone gets at you.”

“I hardly think the precaution necessary; but there is no saying what this man might not do in so desperate a situation, so I will tell the sergeant to place a sentry at the door, and to relieve him every two hours.  I shall think the matter over, and by tomorrow morning shall decide whether I had best remain here and complete my work, or ride at once to Madrid.”

At about two o’clock in the morning Desmond, who had but just dropped off to sleep, was aroused by hearing the sentry outside his door challenge.  There was no answer.  All remained quiet.  Mike leapt to his feet and opened the door.

“What is it?” he asked the sentry.

“I saw two or three men at the end of the corridor.  It was too dark to make them out clearly.  They were coming this way.  I levelled my carbine and cried, ‘Who comes there?’ and at once they stole away.  They could have been after no good, for their steps were noiseless, and they must have come up without boots.”

“Keep a sharp lookout, sentry,” Desmond said, “and see that they don’t steal up to you, for if they do, you may be stabbed before you have time to turn round.

“It is lucky that I carried out your suggestion, Mike, and posted a sentry at the door.  Of course, these men the sentry saw may not have been coming here, but at any rate their conduct was suspicious.”

In a few minutes Desmond was again asleep.  He had had a long day’s work, and believing that the affair was over, at least for the night, he did not even try to keep awake.

As soon as Mike heard, by his breathing, that he was asleep, he got up noiselessly and seated himself near the open window, with a loaded pistol.  An hour passed, and then he heard a slight stir in the street.  He did not look out, but grasped his pistol tightly.